Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: March 10, 1998
- Invested on: August 14, 1998
Rank: General
As Commander in Chief of the North American Aerospace Defence Command and United States Space Command and Commander of Air Force Space Command, General Estes provided outstanding personal support and assistance to Canada since his appointment in August 1996. His strong vision and tenacious pursuit of binational support of the common defence of North America contributed significantly to the advancement of Defence Programmes critical to Canada. Moreover, his superb leadership, astute initiative and clear professional direction ensured unprecedented success in facilitating Canadian Forces operations in a number of coalition operations. General Estes' intense personal efforts and keen understanding of his command's vital roles have contributed immeasurably to Western security and constitute unique and unparalleled service to Canada.
